Peter Philpott was a legspinner and a capable batsman who was also an outstanding slip fielder who seemed set for a decent run in the side when he finished his first series - in the Caribbean - with 18 wickets at 34.94. In his first Test at home, against England at Brisbane, he took 5 for 90, but he was discarded after taking 3 for 281 in the three innings that followed and he retired soon after, while still in his prime. He went on to become a renowned coach, taking charge of Sri Lanka for a time, and a passionate advocate of legspin in an era when it was an all but forgotten art.
Martin Williamson